Jason Gardiner has hit out at Dancing On Ice contestant Gemma Collins following recent claims she’s been a ‘diva’ backstage at the show.
Calling her “lazy” and her performances “painful” to watch, the dance judge didn’t hold back when criticising the former TOWIE star.
In a new interview with The Sun, Jason said: “I can always see who’s lazy. Gemma is lazy. She doesn’t look like her heart is in it at all. I do despair — at the state of our society today and also the entertainment industry.
“When I grew up people were [bleeping] good at what they did. They were exceptional at something, so you were inspired by people on TV. Now we celebrate mediocre in this country. That, it seems, has become the new celebrity.”
The 47-year-old judge added that he’s never watched TOWIE and hadn’t heard of Gemma before DOI, but revealed that he was excited to see what she came up with.
Jason said: “I was so excited. But then she came out and did what can only be described as one of the most painful routines I’ve ever had to sit through because it looked so uncomfortable. I kept worrying that she was going to fall over and hurt herself.”
Read more: Ant McPartlin gets emotional on BGT stage as he returns with Dec Donnelly
ED! has contacted representatives for Gemma for comment.
Gemma, 37, – who is partnered with skating pro Matt Evers – has had a tough week after being accused of acting like a diva backstage at the show.
The most recent reports claimed she was ready to quit after hosts Holly Willoughby and Phil Schofield criticised her lack of professionalism following the reports.
The reality star – who is dating TOWIE co-star James ‘Arg’ Argent – denied the claims but admitted she was “throwing up” over the controversy.
She told Lorraine Kelly on her morning show: “Yesterday on the ice I was throwing up and there were lots of tears. My family have been very distressed.”
Gemma added that the stories about her diva antics had “caused nothing but endless pain. I couldn’t believe the hate, the trolling”.
She said: “It has been one hell of a week, but I am not giving up. I’ve been working on the most amazing routine for Sunday. It’s going to be absolutely jaw-dropping, so tune in.”
Read more: Fans baffled as Gary Barlow cooks frittata in a vest on Lorraine!
Meanwhile, the I’m A Celebrity star said her upcoming routine on the show could cause a major injury.
Sharing a clip of herself at rehearsals to her Instagram Story this week, Gemma teased details of her performance.
Gemma said she could end up “breaking someone’s back” during the routine!
She said: “We’re working on our new routine and if I don’t break someone’s back I’ll be breaking the internet…”
What do you think of Gemma’s behaviour on DOI? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.